With the nation on the verge of Civil War, Joseph Byers and his hometown in Kentucky seem caught in the middle.

Most townspeople favor the South, but Joseph's stepfather is against slavery. That causes problems for the whole family, especially with Joseph's classmates in school.

Joseph's father owned slaves when he was alive, and Joseph was raised believing slavery was right. Now Joseph begins to question his own views, wondering if his stepfather is right.

As the events unfold that force the nation to its knees and civil war, Joseph must decide what he truly believes, for several lives depend on him. A genuine page-turner, this fast-paced historical novel is rich with important life lessons.

Young Kedi lives in a small village in Cameroon, Africa. One day at school, Kedi's teacher tells his students of bad news in America -- the Great Depression is getting worse and many people, including children, have nothing to eat.

Teacher came from a very big village in America called New York City, and this news troubles him greatly.

The news of children starving troubles Kedi as well. Life in her own village was hard, and she knew what it was like to be hungry. The thought of having no food at all seems overwhelming.

Kedi's heart will not sit down until she finds a way to help.

Inspired by a true event, this beautifully written story with its lovely, colorful illustrations demonstrates the generosity of people toward others. Make certain to read the "Author's Note" at the back of the book for further information and inspiration.

Like so many fathers, Mickey's dad left home to fight far over the Atlantic during World War I. Mickey wanted to go with him, and since that wasn't possible he wanted to do something important to help his dad and other soldiers.

When Mickey's teacher suggested that her students enter the Central Park Knitting Bee to benefit the soldiers, Mickey and the boys scoffed at the idea. Boys don't knit! But when the girls dared them to enter, the competition was on.

"Knit Your Bit" is a fun and heartfelt story based on the real three-day event in Central Park in the summer of 1918.

This slice of history is both fascinating and provides a look at the compassion of those across our nation, young and old, male and female, who knit their bit to help soldiers during wartime.